Foldable and portable dip bar arrangement

ABSTRACT

A foldable and portable dip bar arrangement ( 7 ) for performing dip exercises that condition the triceps and pectorial muscles comprising a left grip bar ( 1 ) being an elongate member with an arch shape that serves as a hand hold for left hand of exerciser while performing dips, a right grip bar ( 2 ) being elongate member with an arch shape that serves as a hand hold for right hand of exerciser while performing dips, left major supports ( 3 A and  3 B) are a pair of elongate members with one end in contact with the floor and other end connecting to ends of left grip bar and when in the unfolded position left major supports and left grip bar form an inverted U-shape, right major supports ( 3 C and  3 D) are a pair of elongate members with one end in contact with the floor and other end connecting to ends of right grip bar and when in the unfolded position right major supports and right grip bar form an inverted U-shape, left minor supports ( 4 A and  4 B) are a pair of elongate members with one end in contact with the floor and opposing end meeting left major supports at a point along the length of left major supports that is approximately {fraction (35/52)}nds the length of left major supports and at the vertex where left minor support and left major support meet an angle of approximately 54° is formed when in the unfolded position, right minor supports ( 4 C and  4 D) are a pair of elongate members with one end in contact with the floor and opposing end meeting right major supports at a point along the length of right major supports that is approximately {fraction (35/52)}nds the length of right major supports and at the vertex where right minor support and right major support meet an angle of approximately 54° is formed when in the unfolded position, linking members ( 5 A,  5 B,  5 C,  5 D) are flat elongate members with one end pin connected to major supports and opposing end pin connected to minor supports.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field

[0002] This invention relates to foldable and portable exerciseequipment. Specifically, it relates to a foldable and portable dip bararrangement for performing dip exercises.

[0003] 2. Description of the Background

[0004] Dips are a common exercise that conditions the triceps andpectoral muscles. Dip exercises are performed on exercise equipmentcalled, “dip bars.” Dip bars are two horizontal parallel bars. Dip barsare commonly positioned approximately at chest height and spacedapproxinately shoulder width apart. The exerciser positions his hands onthe dip bar with the palms down, the thumbs on the inside of the dipbar, with the fingers on the outside of the dip bar. To mount the bar,the exerciser hops up and extends the arms until the elbows are lockedand the arms are approximately perpendicular to the dip bars. Tocomplete one repetition, the exerciser bends the elbows and lowers thetorso until the chest is even with the dip bars. The exerciser thenraises the torso back to the starting position and one repetition iscomplete.

[0005] Dip bars are often made of threaded pipe of approximatelytwo-inch diameter. At the ends of the dip bar are 90° threaded femaleelbows. The vertical supports for the dip bar hold the dip bar atapproximately chest level and the portion of the supports in contactwith the ground are rigidly fixed to the ground by cement anchors. Thesedip bars occupy a large volume and are frequently immobile. When theyare mobile, they occupy much space. These dip bars are neither foldablenor easily portable.

[0006] The present invention seeks to overcome these limitations andothers that will become obvious in the ensuing description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types ofexercise equipment for performing dip exercises, the present inventionprovides a foldable and portable structure for ease of transport andstorage during periods of non-use. The abstract is neither intended todefine the invention of this application, which is measured by theclaims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of theinvention in any way.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved exercise equipment with all the advantages of the prior art andnone of the disadvantages. Another object of the present invention is toprovide a new and improved exercise equipment which may be easilymanufactured and marketed, yet comprised of durable and reliableconstruction. Another object of the present invention is to provide anew and improved exercise equipment for availability to the buyingpublic through low purchase prices, a result of the low cost ofmaterials and labor to manufacture, store, and ship to vendors.

[0009] These together with other objects of the invention, along withthe various features of novelty which characterize this invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims which form a part of thisapplication. For a better understanding of the invention, its operatingadvantages and specific objects, reference should be had to theaccompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there isillustrated preferred emobodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0010]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of foldable and portable dip bararrangement in the unfolded position.

[0011]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of foldable and portable dip bararrangement showing the trapezoidal shape of grip bar and pair of majorsupports.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0012]1. left grip bar

[0013]2. right grip bar

[0014]3. major supports

[0015]4. minor supports

[0016]5. linking members

[0017]6. connecting members

[0018]7. foldable and portable dip bar arrangement

[0019]8. left assembly

[0020]9. right assembly

[0021]10. grip bar

[0022]11. sloping major support

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0023]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of foldable and portable dip bararrangement 7. Foldable and portable dip bar arrangement 7 consists of aleft assembly 8 and a right assembly 9. Left assembly 8 and rightassembly 9 are identical and when setup for use appear as mirror images.

[0024] At uppermost portion of left assembly 8 is left grip bar 1. Leftgrip bar 1 is made of 2-inch diameter cylindrical metal tubing but anynumber of diameters and ergonomic geometries can be used. Length of leftgrip bar 1 forming an arch shape but other shapes can be used Left gripbar 1 is three feet in length but other lengths can be implemented Atends of left grip bar I are interfaces for major support 3A and majorsupport 3B. Arch shape of left grip bar 1 serves to better distrubutethe weight of dip bar exerciser while perforing dips.

[0025] At uppermost portion of right assembly 9 is right grip bar 2.Right grip bar 2 is made of 2-inch diameter cylindrical metal tubing butany number of diameters and ergonomic geometries can be used. Length ofright grip bar 2 forming an arch shape but other shapes can be usedRight grip bar 2 is three feet in length but other lengths can beimplemented. At ends of right grip bar 2 are interfaces for majorsupport 3C and major support 3D. Arch shape of right grip bar 2 servesto better distrubute the weight of dip bar exerciser while perforingdips.

[0026] Major support 3A and major support 3B are made of 2-inch diametercylindrical metal tubing but any number of diameters and geometries canbe used. Major support 3A and major support 3B are approximately 5.15feet in length but other lengths can be used. Major support 3A and majorsupport 3B form approximately a 54° acute angle to the horizontal planeof the floor when in the unfolded open position. Major support 3A andmajor support 3B have two ends. One end of major support 3A and majorsupport 3B is in direct contact with the floor. The opposite end ofmajor support 3A and major support 3B interface with the end of leftgrip bar 1.

[0027] Major support 3C and major support 3D are made of 2-inch diametercylindrical metal tubing but any number of diameters and geometries canbe used Major support 3C and major support 3D are approximately 5.15feet in length but other lengths can be used. Major support 3C and majorsupport 3D form approximately a −54° acute angle to the horizontal planeof the floor when in the unfolded open position. Major support 3C andmajor support 3D have two ends. One end of major support 3C and majorsupport 3D is in direct contact with the floor. The opposite end ofmajor support 3C and major support 3D interface with the end of rightgrip bar 2.

[0028] Together, left grip bar 1, major support 3A, and major support 3Bform an inverted u-shape. Major support 3A and major support 3B form thevertical sides of the inverted u-shape. Left grip bar 1 forms thehorizontal portion of the inverted u-shape. Left grip bar 1 forms abridge between major support 3A and major support 3B.

[0029] Together, right grip bar 2, major support 3C, and major support3D form an inverted u-shape. Major support 3C and major support 3D formthe vertical sides of the inverted u-shape. Right grip bar 2 forms thehorizontal portion of the inverted u-shape. Right grip bar 2 forms abridge between major support 3C and major support 3D.

[0030] Minor support 4A and minor support 4B is made of 2-inch diametercylindrical metal tubing but any number of diameters can be used. Minorsupport 4A and minor support 4B are approximately 2.943 feet in lengthbut other lengths can be used. Minor support 4A and minor support 4Bhave two ends. One end of minor support 4A and minor support 4B is indirect contact with the floor. Opposite end of minor support 4A abutsmajor support 3A approximately 3.459 feet along the length of majorsupport 3A. Additionally, opposite end of minor support 4B abuts majorsupport 3B approximately 3.459 feet along the length of major support3B. Minor support 4A and minor support 4B oppose the moment createdabout major support 3A and major support 3B respectively, at the pointthat major support 3A and major support 3B contact the floor therebymaintaining left assembly 8 in a state of static equilibrium when in theunfolded position.

[0031] Minor support 4C and minor support 4D is made of 2-inch diametercylindrical metal tubing but any number of diameters can be used. Minorsupport 4C and minor support 4D are approximately 2.943 feet in lengthbut other lengths can be used. Minor support 4C and minor support 4Dhave two ends. One end of minor support 4C and minor support 4D is indirect contact with the floor. Opposite end of minor support 4C abutsmajor support 3C approximately 3.459 feet along the length of majorsupport 3C. Furthermore, opposite end of minor support 4D abuts majorsupport 3D approximately 3.459 feet along the length of major support3D. Minor support 4C and minor support 4D oppose the moment createdabout major support 3C and major support 3D respectively, at the pointthat major support 3C and major support 3D contact the floor therebymaintaining right assembly 9 in a state of static equilibrium when inthe unfolded position.

[0032] Linking member 5A and linking member 5B are made of 2-inch wideflat metal slats approximately 0.589 feet in length but other widths andlengths may be used. Linking member 5A and linking member 5B have twoends. One end of linking member 5A and linking member 5B is pinconnected to major support 3A and major support 3B respectively.Opposite end of linking member 5A and linking member 5B is pin connectedto minor support 4A and minor support 4B respectively. Linking member 5Aand linking member 5B connect major support 3A, major support 3B, minorsupport 4A, and minor support 4B at the desired angle when in theunfolded position. Linking member 5A and linking member 5B allow majorsupport 3A, major support 3B, minor support 4A, and minor support 4B tosweep out maximum angles of approximately 50°. At this maximum angle,major support 3A, major support 3B, minor support 4A, and minor support4B provide stability for left assembly 8 thereby preventing tipping whenin the unfolded position.

[0033] Linking member 5C and linking member 5D are made of 2-inch wideflat metal slats approximately 0.589 feet in length but other widths andlengths may be used. Linking member 5C and linking member 5D have twoends. One end of linking member 5C and linking member 5D is pinconnected to major support 3C and major support 3D respectively.Opposite end of linking member 5C and linking member 5D is pin connectedto minor support 4C and minor support 4D respectively. Linking member 5Cand linking member 5D connect major support 3C, major support 3D, minorsupport 4C, and minor support 4D at the desired angle when in theunfolded position. Linking member 5C and linking member 5D allow majorsupport 3C, major support 3D, minor support 4C, and minor support 4D tosweep out maximum angles of approximately 50°. At this maximum angle,major support 3C, major support 3D, minor support 4C, and minor support4D provide stability for right assembly 9 thereby preventing tippingwhen in the unfolded position.

[0034] Connecting member 6A serves to ensure lower portion of majorsupport 3A is held parallel to lower portion of major support 3B.Connecting member 6A opposes the moment created about major support 3Aand major support 3B respectively, at the point that major support 3Aand major support 3B connect to left grip bar 1. Moreover, connectingmember 6B serves to ensure lower portion of minor support 4A is heldparallel to lower portion of minor support 4B.

[0035] Connecting member 6C serves to ensure lower portion of majorsupport 3C is held parallel to lower portion of major support 3D.Connecting member 6C opposes the moment created about major support 3Cand major support 3D respectively, at the point that major support 3Cand major support 3D connect to right grip bar 2. Further, connectingmember 6D serves to ensure lower portion of minor support 4C is heldparallel to lower portion of minor support 4D.

[0036] Foldable and portable dip bar arrangement 7 has two states. Onestate is the folded state not shown in this view. The second state isthe unfolded state shown in FIG. 1. To perform dips on portable andfoldable dip bar arrangement 7, unfold left assembly 8 and rightassembly 9 and position so that left grip bar 1 and right grip bar 2 arehorizontal with respect to the floor and parallel with respect to eachother. Additionally, right assembly 9 is positioned so as to be a mirrorimage of left assembly 8. Left assembly 8 and right assembly 9 arepositioned so that left grip bar 1 and right grip bar 2 areapproximately shoulder width apart. Exerciser then stands between leftassembly 8 and right assembly 9. The exerciser positions his left handmidway along the length of left grip bar 1 with the palms down and thumbtoward the body. Furthermore, the exerciser positions his right handmidway along length of right grip bar 2 with the palms down and thumbtoward the body. To mount the bar, the exerciser hops up and extends thearms until the elbows are locked and the arms are approximatelyperpendicular to left grip bar 1 and right grip bar 2. To complete onerepetition the exerciser bends the elbows and lowers the torso until thechest is even with the dip bars. The exerciser then raises the torsoback to the starting position and one repetition is complete.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2 an alternative embodiment of theinvention shows grip bar 10, sloping major support 11A, and slopingmajor support 11B forming a trapezoidal shape. Sloping major support 11Aand sloping major support 11B form the angled sides of the trapezoidalshape. Grip bar 10 forms the horizontal portion of the trapezoidalshape. Grip bar 10 forms a bridge between sloping major support 11A andsloping major support 11B. This trapezoidal shape serves to add rigidityand strength to foldable and portable dip bar arrangement.

I claim:
 1. A foldable and portable dip bar arrangement for performingdip exercises that condition the triceps and pectorial musclescomprising: a freestanding foldable and portable left assemble that whenin the unfolded position serves to support left side of a persons bodywhile performing dip exercises; a freestanding foldable and portableright assembly identical to but positioned to mirror left assembly thatserves to support the right side of a persons body while performing dipexercises.
 2. A foldable and portable dip bar arrangement for performingdip exercises that condition the triceps and pectorial musclescomprising: a left grip bar being an elongate member with an arch shapethat serves as a hand hold for left hand of exerciser while performingdips; a right grip bar being elongate member with an arch shape thatserves as a hand hold for right hand of exerciser while performing dips;left major supports are a pair of elongate members with one end incontact with the floor and other end connecting to ends of left grip barand when in the unfolded position left major supports and left grip barform an inverted U-shape; right major supports are a pair of elongatemembers with one end in contact with the floor and other end connectingto ends of right grip bar and when in the unfolded position right majorsupports and right grip bar form an inverted U-shape; left minorsupports are a pair of elongate members with one end in contact with thefloor and opposing end meeting left major supports at a point along thelength of left major supports that is approximately {fraction(35/52)}nds the length of left major supports and at the vertex whereleft minor support and left major support meet an angle of approximately54° is formed when in the unfolded position; right minor supports are apair of elongate members with one end in contact with the floor andopposing end meeting right major supports at a point along the length ofright major supports that is approximately {fraction (35/52)}nds thelength of right major supports and at the vertex where right minorsupport and right major support meet an angle of approximately 540 isformed when in the unfolded position; linking members are flat elongatemembers with one end pin connected to major supports and opposing endpin connected to minor supports.
 3. Left and right grip bars of claim 2having an axis that is straight and parrallel to the horizontal plane ofthe floor.
 4. Left and right grip bars of claim 2 being made of two-inchdiameter cylindrical tubing.
 5. Left and right major supports of claim 2being approxiamtely 5.15 feet in length.
 6. Left and right majorsupports of claim 2 forming a 54° and −54° acute angle to the horizontalplane of the floor respectively when in the unfolded open position. 7.Left and right minor support of claim 2 being approximately 2.943 feetin length.
 8. Linking members of claim 2 being two-inch wide metalslats.
 9. Linking members of claim 2 being 0.589 feet in length.
 10. Afoldable and portable dip bar arrangement for performing dip exercisesthat condition the triceps and pectorial muscles comprising: a left gripbar being elongate member that serves as a hand hold for left hand ofexerciser while performing dips; a right grip bar being elongate memberthat serves as a hand hold for right hand of exerciser while performingdips; sloping left major supports are a pair of elongate members withone end in contact with the floor and other end connecting to ends ofleft grip bar and when in the unfolded position left major supports andleft grip bar form a trapezoidal shape; sloping right major supports area pair of elongate members with one end in contact with the floor andother end connecting to ends of right grip bar and when in the unfoldedposition right major supports and right grip bar form a trapezoidalshape; left minor supports are a pair of elongate members with one endin contact with the floor and opposing end meeting left major supportsat a point along the length of left major supports that is approximately{fraction (35/52)}nds the length of left major supports and at thevertex where left minor support and left major support meet an angle ofapproximately 54° is formed when in the unfolded position; right minorsupports are a pair of elongate members with one end in contact with thefloor and opposing end meeting right major supports at a point along thelength of right major supports that is approximately {fraction(35/52)}nds the length of right major supports and at the vertex whereright minor support and right major support meet an angle ofapproximately 54° is formed when in the unfolded position; linkingmembers are flat elongate members with one end pin connected to majorsupports and opposing end pin connected to minor supports.